Autoblog

Jay Leno burns rubber in Tesla Model S

Zach Bowman — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Technology, Videos, Hatchback, Celebrities, Tesla, Electric

Jay Leno has a pretty big soft spot for alternative-fuel vehicles. From his steam-powered relics to his beloved Chevrolet Volt, the comedian's automotive interests are nothing if not varied. In the latest episode of Jay Leno's Garage, Tesla Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen stops by the Big Dog Garage to show off his company's new Model S. Jay gets a closer look at the five-door EV's interesting touchscreen controls, expansive moonroof and yes, even the third-row jump seats, before taking to the road. The clip explains why Tesla eschewed the chunky standardized EV charger for a more svelte unit and how the company managed to serve up impressive aerodynamics without sacrificing styling.

Leno takes the time to whir the Model S around the greater Los Angeles area before hopping on the freeway for a quick spin. This particular model features the largest battery pack available, which gives the Model S a total range of around 300 miles. Check out the clip below for a closer look.

Continue reading Jay Leno burns rubber in Tesla Model S

Jay Leno burns rubber in Tesla Model S originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Oct 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Jay Leno's Garage finally welcomes a Ferrari, courtesy of Adam Carolla

Zach Bowman — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 12:46:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Performance, Videos, Ferrari, Celebrities, Humor

We've been watching episodes of Jay Leno's Garage for a good long while now, but we can honestly say this is the first clip that's actually riled more than a chuckle. Adam Carolla stopped by with his 1966 Ferrari 330 GT 2+2, and while Leno isn't much of a Ferrari fan, he has an appreciation for older metal of any origin. The show starts off on the right foot as the two curmudgeon comedians lament the lack of auto interest among the younger generation and Leno bemoans how complicated modern Ferrari models are. But the real hilarity kicks in once the two take to the road.

Not long into the drive, the 330 GT 2+2 runs out of gas. We're not sure whether that's more embarrassing for Carolla, who drove the car to the Big Dog Garage, or Leno, who promptly took the keys. Either way, the Ferrari gets back on course with a little help from a five-gallon jug of fuel. Before long, a second issue rears its head: the speedometer begins wailing due to lack of lubrication. That wail eventually vibrates the gauge enough to shake the needle itself free from the face. Hilarity ensues. Check it out for yourself.

Continue reading Jay Leno's Garage finally welcomes a Ferrari, courtesy of Adam Carolla

Jay Leno's Garage finally welcomes a Ferrari, courtesy of Adam Carolla originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Aug 2012 12:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Bob Lutz and his Volt-like truck visit Jay Leno's Garage

Zach Bowman — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Technology, Videos, Chevrolet, Celebrities, Electric

Bob Lutz recently stopped by to see Jay Leno at the comedian's Big Dog Garage, and the legendary auto executive has brought along his latest project, an extended-range VTrux electric pickup by Via Motors. The creation combines a 4.3-liter V6 with an electric motor to offer around 50 miles of all-electric driving and a full range of 300 miles. When connected to a 220-volt outlet, the truck takes just four hours to fully charge. What's more, Lutz says Via Motors can install the same driveline in full-size General Motors vans as well as models like the Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe and, of course, the Cadillac Escalade.

Leno seems pretty taken with the final product, saying he can't tell a difference between the VTrux plug-in hybrid and a standard Silverado pickup, save for its quiet operation. Just like in the Chevrolet Volt, once the batteries go dead, the V6 under the hood takes over to turn a generator to provide power to charge the batteries of the electric motor once again. It sounds like a pretty neat setup, though there's always the looming question of cost - Via Motors estimates the price of a Silverado-based VTRUX at $79,000 - when built "in volume." Check out the full episode of Jay Leno's Garage featuring Bob Lutz below.

Continue reading Bob Lutz and his Volt-like truck visit Jay Leno's Garage

Bob Lutz and his Volt-like truck visit Jay Leno's Garage originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Jul 2012 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2013 Scion FR-S finds its way into Jay Leno's Garage

Zach Bowman — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Videos, Scion, Celebrities

Jay Leno has finally gotten around to getting his hands on the Scion FR-S. The latest episode of Jay Leno's Garage is all about the new low-buck sports car from Toyota. Jack Hollis, the vice president and General Manager of Scion, stops in to give the TV personality a full walk-around of the 200-horsepower coupe. While Leno's collection includes every shade of high-horsepower machinery, the comedian is also a fan of cheap driving fun for the masses. Hollis hits the high points of the model's development, including the tie-in with Subaru and not-so-subtle nods to the ghosts of Toyota performance past.

As usual, the cameras follow Leno as he takes the FR-S onto the streets around Los Angeles for a quick sprint. He also submits the boxer four to his typical "immaturity test" with mixed results. We approve all the same. You can check out the full video by scrolling below or head over to JayLenosGarage.com to check out a few photos of the FR-S hanging out in the Big Dog Garage.

Continue reading 2013 Scion FR-S finds its way into Jay Leno's Garage

2013 Scion FR-S finds its way into Jay Leno's Garage originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jun 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Jay Leno gets nostalgic driving Shelby GT500 and Boss 302

Zach Bowman — Mon, 21 May 2012 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Videos, Ford, Celebrities

It looks like we weren't the only ones to get our hands on the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500. Jamal Hameedi, SVT chief nameplate engineer, recently stopped by the Big Dog Garage to show off both the Mustang Boss 302 and the GT500. It's no secret that Leno has always been a Mustang fan, and with the ridiculously powerful supercharged 5.8-liter pumping out more grunt than the comedian's own Ford GT, the 2013 Shelby has earned itself another proponent. Leno takes the big horse out for a ride around town, including over some of the more punishing stretches of Los Angeles freeway before heading home.

Of course, it wouldn't be an episode of Jay Leno's Garage without a proper burnout, and the clip doesn't disappoint. Looks like fun to us. Now the only question is whether Leno will add one of these machines to his own personal collection. Scroll down below to watch the video, which concludes with a little tribute to the recently deceased Carroll Shelby.

Continue reading Jay Leno gets nostalgic driving Shelby GT500 and Boss 302

Jay Leno gets nostalgic driving Shelby GT500 and Boss 302 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 May 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Tata Nano to rub shoulders with priceless iron in Jay Leno's Garage

Zach Bowman — Wed, 16 May 2012 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Etc., Hatchback, Celebrities, India

It looks as if Jay Leno has welcomed a Tata Nano to his Big Dog Garage recently. The comedian even went so far as to don traditional Indian garb and hire a troop of Bollywood dancers to mark the occasion.

Details are scarce at the moment, but judging from the photos that have shown up on Leno's Facebook page, it looks as if we'll see the machine on an episode of "Jay Leno's Garage" sometime soon. The car boasts a white paint scheme with the Indian tri-color laid over the rear doors and hood. Whether or not Leno actually bought the machine remains unclear.

The comedian took the time to bow for the cameras and place his hands together in the "Namaskar" greeting. We look forward to seeing the full episode. In the meantime, check out the behind-the-scenes photos in the gallery.

Tata Nano to rub shoulders with priceless iron in Jay Leno's Garage originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 May 2012 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Fiat 500 Prima Edizione rolls into Jay Leno's Garage

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Fiat

Most automobiles on this planet find their rubber resting on the clean floor of Jay Leno's garage at some point in their life. The latest to get the Big Dog denim treatment is the Fiat 500, and Chrysler arrived in Burbank, California with a one-of-500 Prima Edizione just for the occasion. Jay lines the car up alongside his own 1937 Fiat Topolino, which looks like a toy car by comparison, albeit a rather handsome one at that.

Leno has enough room for more than the limited-edition 500, however, and two other Fiat subcompacts get camera time. One is the 500C, which receives a brief mention while the other is a Road Race Motorsports-prepped 500 hardtop that captures quite a bit more of Leno's attention.

Jay takes both the Prima Edizione and the Road Race Motorsports 500 out for a spin. That means, despite the small subject matter, the clip posted after the jum p is twice as long as the standard Jay Leno video. Still, with all this Fiat cuteness, it's definitely worth your time.

Continue reading Fiat 500 Prima Edizione rolls into Jay Leno's Garage

Fiat 500 Prima Edizione rolls into Jay Leno's Garage originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Aug 2011 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Last original owner, "unrestored" Duesenberg checks into Jay Leno's Garage

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Videos, Celebrities, Specialty, Luxury

Jay Leno talks about his 1931 Duesenburg Model J - Click above to watch video after the jump

It would be great to have a garage so large that entire sections were devoted to specific makes or models. Jay Leno has such a place, and, as befitting one of the best-known car junkies in the world, one section of his Big Dog Garage is home to nothing but Duesenbergs.

In case you're not familiar with the marque, the Duesenberg was (and still is by some) regarded as the absolute pinnacle of automotive engineering. One vehicle in particular has an interesting story, as it was discovered unrestored in a Manhattan garage. Suffice it to say - and you knew this was coming, right? - it's a Duesy.

This 1931 Duesenberg Model J was parked in New York City with just a few thousand miles on the odometer. The original owner's son attempted to restore the car sometime in the 1950s, but the car was returned to its parking spot, and left to rot. After that, Leno became the second owner when he acquired the car in 2005.

It may have come to him as the last original owner, unrestored Duesy, but per Jay, the car was too trashed to be left in that condition. So, the Model J underwent a complete restoration, and is now in better shape than when it was originally parked in that Manhattan garage. Click past the jump to learn more about the car, and how Leno's team brought it back to life.

Continue reading Last original owner, "unrestored" Duesenberg checks into Jay Leno's Garage

Last original owner, "unrestored" Duesenberg checks into Jay Leno's Garage originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Video: 2011 Bentley Mulsanne rolls into Jay Leno's Garage

Jeff Glucker — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Videos, Bentley, Celebrities, Luxury

Jay Leno examines the Bentley Mulsanne - Click above to watch video after the jump

Do you have a "Bentley Section" in your garage? You probably have an "Oil Stain Wing" and possibly a "Random Pile of Parts Vestibule" but we're willing to bet the majority of you don't have a whole portion of your garage dedicated to one specific marque. Among many things, that's what separates Jay Leno from the rest of us peons and he's also utilizing his Bentley Section to play host to a new member from the First Family of Crewe: the 2011 Bentley Mulsanne.

Leno looks the luxosedan over in the confines of his Big Dog Garage before hitting the surrounding Southern California streets, and the video is waiting for you just past the jump.

[Source: Jay Leno's Garage]

Continue reading Video: 2011 Bentley Mulsanne rolls into Jay Leno's Garage

Video: 2011 Bentley Mulsanne rolls into Jay Leno's Garage originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Dec 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

SEMA 2007 VIDEO: Jay Leno's E85-powered C6RS Corvette

Chris Shunk — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Coupe, Green, Videos, Chevrolet, GM

Jay Leno is among the world's most famous car enthusiasts, and he seems to appear in a major auto publication every single month. Of course, there is a good reason for all the pub: he has some kick-ass cars. One of his newest white diamonds is the C6RS E85 Corvette, which started life as a stock Z06 and ended up with an 8.2L E85-capable engine and plenty of racing parts. We interviewed Steve Hofmann of Jay's Big Dog Garage, and he had plenty of details concerning the C6RS green machine. Click play on the video above to check it out.

Gallery: SEMA 2007: Jay Leno's E85-powered C6RS Corvette

SEMA 2007 VIDEO: Jay Leno's E85-powered C6RS Corvette originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2007 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments